This section contains 1,808 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) |
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When Zuckerman Unbound appeared two years ago, it was widely assumed to be Nathan's farewell to his past and Philip Roth's farewell to his alter ego Nathan. But Roth had a trilogy in mind.
As The Anatomy Lesson demonstrates, Nathan's problems were just beginning. During the next four years, his self-esteem withered under one assault after another until he no longer knew if his talent was still intact. The death of his mother left him mourning over unfinished business; his brother blamed him for both parents' deaths and stopped speaking to him; a hugely respected critic—once a supporter—published a savage attack, legitimizing middlebrow accusations that had been leveled against him earlier….
Add to this a confluence of psychosomatic ailments which has altered Nathan's calling to that of a full-time patient…. After four … years of inactivity, however, Nathan takes action. He decides, at 40, to go for the...
This section contains 1,808 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) |
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